A recount of the history of the relationships of Emily Goldyn and Christopher Hayes written by Christopher Hayes in the perspective of Emily Goldyn…

It was a warm and very sunny day in the Nation’s Capital, Washington D.C. I had just been asked by a friend to sub in for a rec softball game on the National Mall, right in front of the Washington Monument. I saw Christopher from across the field and was immediately captivated by his natural charm and rugged good looks. All doubt was removed when I witnessed him hit not one, but two homeruns in the same game. Chris and I continued to get to know one another over the next couple of couple of softball seasons and I was constantly reminded of how loving and caring he could be, always showing up to our dates with a favorite candy of mine, or a thoughtful gesture.

We continued to bond over sporting events, searching for the best fried chicken sandwich in the city, exploring the country, our love of animals, and board games. To this day, I can honestly admit I have not bested Chris in one single board game we played…Monopoly deal, Parcheesi, Skip-Bo, Trivial Pursuit, Catan, Ticket to Ride…you name it. We share a very fierce competitive spirit that I think goes beyond the games…we both strive to prove our love to one another each and every day.

Chris and I had to spend some time away from each other while I completed a 4-month long, on-site training for a “work promotion.” There was still another man in my life at this point, a 95-pound shepherd/retriever/angel/munchkin mix name Bentley. We’ve shared a very special bond since the day I rescued him back in 2019. I felt more than comfortable to have Chris care for Bentley during my time away from D.C…and it seems they formed a special bond of their own. Their always playful rough housing and adventurous spirit makes our house so much brighter.

Chris decided to propose to me along the canal in Georgetown, one of our favorite spots in the city for restaurants and shopping. It was a beautifully planned surprise proposal that I got to share with our close friends and family at the top of the Watergate Hotel- no scandals at the Watergate this time!

Shortly after our engagement, Chris Bentley and I moved down to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where we are currently living. Our love for warm weather, the beach, and each other, never provides a dull moment while we explore our new home.

A recount of the history of the relationships of Emily Goldyn and Christopher Hayes written by Emily Goldyn in the perspective of Emily Goldyn…

It was a sunny and warm June day when I was asked to sub in for a friend’s softball game. And supposedly Christopher hit two home runs that day… all I remember is missing the ball in the outfield and afraid they would never ask me to fill in again. Later that week our mutual friend told me Chris wanted to give me his number, so I gave the friend mine and said, “have him text me!” little did I know I would not be getting that text for 5 more months…Over those 5 months I ultimately joined the softball team Chris played for and saw him every single week. Still no text; it started to be the running joke on our team. But FINALLY after being out together for Halloween Chris finally got up the courage and it has been a fantastic whirlwind ever since.

Most of the next paragraph is true… We love to play sports together (I kick his butt in tennis), we found the best fried chicken sandwich (Just Little Chicken), we have gone on a lot of vacations, we have visited a LOT of zoos (shown by the magnet collection we have started on our fridge), and we do play board games at least a couple of times a week. Christopher is wrong about who wins the games though…just check our running Yahtzee tally. All jokes aside, Chris and I were able to bond over so many mutual hobbies and getting to do the hobbies I love with him just makes them that much better.

The description of Bentley is spot on- we have so many nicknames for that little guy and he is an integral part of the little family we are starting. The bond Chris and Bentley have is so special to me and knowing Bentley feels the love Christopher has for us just seals the deal to be honest.

Our engagement could not have been more perfect. I was truly surprised, which I wasn’t sure he would be able to pull off. I honestly thought we were going bowling and while in route to the beautiful bridge Chris chose to make the proposal, I was telling him “Chris, we are going the wrong way and going to be late…” Little did I know it was about to be the absolute best day. After the proposal, he planned a party at the top of the Watergate hotel with so many of our friends and family and I just cried the entire day. A day full of so much love and I am so excited to experience that again on our wedding day!

We manifested moving to Florida since we started dating, it was a big goal and we finally made it down here. It has been so fun to explore new places and find our new favorites here!